Focal goes wireless with new Listen and Spark headphones

Focal has a decent reputation when it comes to headphones, so it's nice to see three more models from the company.

The first is a wireless version of its Listen headphones, the Listen Wireless. The general design of the headphones remains the same, but where the original Listens had a brushed-steel look, the Wirelesses have a scratch-resistant, lacquered, black gloss finish.

They have Bluetooth 4.1 compatibility, with aptX, and can hold eight devices in their memory (with two being able to connect simultaneously). They have a range of about 15m, and Focal claims a battery life of 20 hours.

MORE: Focal and Naim, the French-Anglo alliance that's paying dividends

The Listen Wirelesses also have an omnidirectional microphone, running Focal's "Clear Voice Capture software" which claims to improve voice clarity, even in noisy environments.

Playback controls and Bluetooth pairing are on the housings, split into three clusters along the headphones.

The Focal Listen Wireless will be available in July, priced at £220.

MORE: Bluetooth 5: everything you need to know

Focal has also announced wired and wireless versions of its Spark headphones.

Both headphones feature 9.5mm mylar drivers, aluminium bodies and three-button remote module with built-in microphone, while the wireless versions also have Bluetooth 4.1 support.

The Spark and Spark Wirelesses are available now, in black and silver finishes, for £60 and £90. Blue cobalt and rose gold versions will be available in July.

Focal is also releasing an update for the 2015 Sphear headphones, the Sphear S, which will be available in July for $£110.

Read more:

LG's new G6+ smartphone includes Quad DAC and B&O headphones

Spotify now has 140 million users worldwide

B&O Play reveals new E4 noise-cancelling headphones

New Qualcomm chipsets for smart speakers, amps, and noise-cancelling cans

Headphone amp of mortality finally reaches UK

Adam was a staff writer for What Hi-Fi?, reviewing consumer gadgets for online and print publication, as well as researching and producing features and advice pieces on new technology in the hi-fi industry. He has since worked for PC Mag as a contributing editor and is now a science and technology reporter for The Independent.

Latest in Wireless Headphones
AirPods 3 vs AirPods 4 graphic
Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: what's new and should you upgrade?
Dali IO-8 wireless over-ear headphones
These stunning five-star Dali wireless headphones omit one major feature – but don't suffer for it
Dali IO-8 wireless over-ear headphones
We’ve just reviewed audiophile wireless headphones that knock our veteran favourites off the top spot
Sony WH-1000XM5 on a table
Sony vs Sennheiser headphones: which are better?
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 6
Hi-res wireless headphones could be around the corner, suggests new Samsung patent
Sony LinkBuds Open earbuds
Sony LinkBuds Open (WF-L910)
Latest in News
Musical Fidelity B1xi
Musical Fidelity's new stereo amplifier houses HDMI ARC and a built-in phono stage
A close-up of the FiiO FT7 headphones' earcups.
FiiO's FT7 flagship headphones take the fight to pricier rivals
A grey WiiM Vibelink Amp on a wooden cabinet between two bookshelf speakers.
The WiiM Vibelink Amp is WiiM's first integrated amp with no streaming elements
Q Acoustics 3050i
Save £650 on this five-star Q Acoustics 5.1 home cinema setup
Optoma Photon Go on white background
Optoma's new on-the-go projector is set to be one of the cheaper USTs on the market
Marantz Cinema 30 AVR
Our Award-winning reference Marantz AVR is still selling at its best price ever